Our History

The People’s Bible Church was originally the English department of Toa Payoh Bible Church, which was established by CNEC (Christian Nationals’ Evangelism Commission) in the 1960s in a shophouse at Toa Payoh East. In 1970, a local missionary was invited by CNEC to start the English work, and he gathered seven tertiary level students for Bible study and training. Through this small group, the English work of TPBC was formed. Through a strategy of active evangelism (mainly door-to-door in the Toa Payoh neighborhood) and nurturing of new believers, a group of about 20 youths were gathered to form the first English-speaking congregation of the Church (which already had a Chinese congregation).

The first 10 years saw rapid growth. By 1981, the membership stood at 250 with five different services. Because of space constraint, and also to cater to the needs of different age groups, the various services were formed: Sunday Worship Service, Youth Fellowship and Evening Worship Service. A Junior Sunday School was also formed to cater to about 100 children from the neighborhood.

In 1987 the Church moved to larger premises belonging to CNEC at Braddell Road, leaving the Junior Sunday School and a smaller group to continue at Toa Payoh. This resulted in the merger of 3 adult services. In 1983, we had our first Bible college graduate, who became the first pastor of the English congregation. Today, we have a staff consisting of a pastoral team, ministry staff, and an administrative team.

The growth of the ministry led us to look for a church building, and by the grace and providence of God, this dream was fulfilled in 1990 when we moved into our present building at Lorong Ah Soo (jointly financed with Logos Christian Church – formerly the Chinese Congregation of TPBC). With the relocation, the name of the Church was changed to The People’s Bible Church. The cell group structure was adopted in 1988 to provide the environment for growth and ministry. Today, the cell structure is more established, and the needs of individual members and families are being ministered to by the various cell groups.

Many people have come through the doors of the Church, many have been baptized and nurtured, and many have gone out to serve in other areas. Today, we have a membership of around 500, comprising both young and old. This is neither a small nor a big Church, and we are looking forward to fulfilling greater things for God as we expect great things from Him; all to His praise and glory.

From basically a youth group, the Church now comprises both young families and a growing population of seniors. As God blesses us with more people, may He also grant to us the wisdom, the spirit, and the resources to fulfill His purpose for us, both in Singapore and the regions beyond, until the Great Commission is fulfilled. Amen.

For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”